COVID-19, the Opioid Epidemic and the Housing Crisis

Commentary
by
Rezene, Lydia

Release Date

2020

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Findings/Key points

Must ensure our response to the current pandemic does not unfold by simply sidelining and forgetting about a preexisting public health crisis. Instead, our pandemic response should include programs that deliver a safe supply of prescribed opioids directly to people experiencing dependency. Partnering with local harm reduction services, more drop-ins and addiction based programming, and of course advocacy for shelter and housing supports while supporting accessibility to general health care should be priorities.

Keywords

Overdose
Advocacy
Housing
Illegal drugs
Drug checking